Why is the Toyota Rush such a hit to Filipino car buyers?

Updated Apr 15, 2021 | Same topic: Automotive Industry Updates

Here’s why you see a lot of Toyota Rush units on Philippine roads nowadays.

Released on May 4, 2018, the third-generation Toyota Rush, also known as the Daihatsu Terios and the Perodua Aruz in other markets, is a rear-wheel-drive, seven-seater MPV with a quasi-SUV looking body.

Which 2020 Toyota Rush should you buy? – Variant Comparison

In a year since its release, the Rush has become a common sight on Philippine roads. In 2019 alone, Toyota sold a whopping 15,172 units of the said model, so yes, one could say that it has become quite a hit.

Now, why is that? What is it about the Toyota Rush that made it a hit among Filipino car buyers?

>>> Related: What we'd like to see from an updated Toyota Rush 2020 Philippines

A picture of the Toyota Rush on a quiet road

One large factor on why the Rush is so popular is because of its looks

SUV looks without the bulk

The Toyota Rush is essentially an MPV. It has the same parts transmission and engine as the Toyota Avanza, and it can also seat seven people. In contrast to SUVs and even other MPVs with similar seating capacities, the Rush is relatively compact.

Sure, the Avanza is smaller but the Rush is still not as large as the Fortuner. This makes the Rush ideal for city-dwelling folks who need a large seating capacity, which we can say that most Filipinos need anyway.

A picture of the Toyota Rush jumping in the city

Rear-wheel drive goodness

On top of that, one reason the Rush is doing well sales-wise is partly due to its exterior design. It looks rugged and macho much like an SUV. To back that look up, the Rush also has 220mm of ground clearance, which is 20mm more than the Avanza’s.

And lest we forget, the Rush is also one of the few rear-wheel-drive MPVs available in the Philippine market today, alongside its Avanza brother. This means the Rush is rugged, better at climbing hills, and it might even have a better weight balance.

The Rush is very attractive price-wise

For a rear-wheel-drive vehicle that looks this good and equipped with many useful features, the Toyota Rush is affordable.

Sure, you might argue that you can turn to the Avanza instead, but again, the Rush has its macho SUV styling, has better ground clearance, and a push to start button.

A picture of the Toyota Rush showing its interior

If you're a tall person, the Rush is great for you

>>> Related: Toyota Rush price list and downpayment

As of May 2020, the Toyota Rush’s base variant; the Rush 1.5 E MT is priced at Php 968,000. The top of the line Rush 1.5 G AT is priced at Php 1,100,000, which is only Php 23,000 more expensive than the top-of-the-line Avanza Veloz.

And yes, Php 23,000 is a small price to pay for more attractive looks, and all the advantages the Rush can provide, wouldn’t you say?

For more car related news, keep reading here on Philkotse.com.

Know more about Toyota Rush 2024

Toyota Rush

The Toyota Rush 2024 is Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP)’s entry into the local competitive multi-purpose vehicle (MPV) segment. Considering its relatively large size and affordable pricing, the MPV is regarded by some as an entry-level SUV for the Japanese car brand. Toyota Rush Price in the Philippines is P1,202,000 with only one 1.5 G-RS variant. Under the hood, it is powered by a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE inline-4 DOHC gasoline engine that makes 102 hp and 134 Nm of torque. This engine can be connected to a 4-speed automatic transmission. Dimensions-wise, the Rush spans 4,435 mm in length, 1,695 mm in width, and 1,705 mm in height. In the local market, this vehicle from Toyota Philippines competes against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander and Honda BR-V.

There are many SUV-like features that the Toyota Rush offers such as a relatively high ground clearance rated at 220 mm and its new seating configuration that makes seven as standard across all variants. It is considered one of the best value for money, especially for those who wish for a relatively affordable family car. In other markets, the Toyota Rush is called the Daihatsu Terios due to the Japanese automaker's partnership with Daihatsu Motor.

 

Toyota Rush Launch

The updated Toyota Rush was introduced by TMP last November 2020 which now offers a 7-seating configuration as standard. The Japanese carmaker shared that a 7-seater MPV is a favorite family vehicle among Filipinos so it wanted to add a third row of seating for all variants.

In 2022, TMP replaced the top-spec Rush G with the sportier GR-S variant. The updated 7-seater MPV is currently competing against the likes of the Mitsubishi Xpander, Honda BR-V, and Maxus G50.

Toyota Rush Exterior

The Toyota Rush is currently riding on the exterior design of the third-generation Daihatsu Terios. It comes with an SUV-like and more aggressive road presence as it is inspired by the design of its 7-seater midsize SUV sibling, the Toyota Fortuner.

Toyota Rush Philippines angular front

The exterior design of the Toyota Rush is inspired by the Toyota Fortuner

All variants of the Toyota MPV are installed with LED headlights and taillights (with LED guidelines), a rear spoiler, a shark-fin antenna, and more. E variants get chrome radiator grille and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the top-ranging GR-S variant comes with GR-S treatment and 17-inch alloy wheels.

Toyota offers the Rush six color options: White,  Bronze Mica Metallic, Dark Red Mica Metallic, Bordeaux Mica, Silver Mica Metallic, and Black Metallic.

Toyota Rush Interior

As said earlier, all variants now come with a 7-seating configuration which should be practical for those who want to own a relatively large car but don’t want to spend a hefty amount of cash. The 50:50 third-row seats can be folded to offer more cargo space.

Toyota Rush Philippines dashboard area

Another notable feature inside the Toyota Rush is the white accents on the doors and dashboard decorated with faux stitches

The interior for the lower E variants is installed with a urethane 3-spoke steering wheel, shift lever, and knob. Meanwhile, the top-ranging GR-S variant benefits from leather materials on the said interior parts and three accessory outlets as compared to just one for E variants.

>>> Get best deals of the Toyota Rush for sale in the Philippines at amazing prices

Technology & Safety Features

The Toyota Rush is installed with a 7-inch infotainment screen across all variants which supports CD/MP3, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, and Weblink Connectivity for iOS/Android. Sounds are sent off to six speakers for E variants, while the top-of-the-line variant gets eight.

Toyota Rush's airbags

Toyota Rush's airbags

As for safety, the updated model still offers the same features such as six airbags, an anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), traction control, hill start assist, emergency stop signal, and ISOFIX tethers. Keyless entry is used for E variants and smart entry is the go-to for the GR-S variant.

Platform & Chassis

The Toyota Rush is designed with a ladder-frame chassis similar to the Toyota Avanza. It is built on the Daihatsu F800, the platform of the current Daihatsu Terios. This platform configuration, including the 220 mm ground clearance, solidifies the model’s reputation as a small yet rugged SUV.

To further improve stiffness, the front suspension is handled by a McPherson Strut, and a four-link suspension for the rear setup. As for the brakes, the 7-seater MPV is installed with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes for the rear wheels.

Engine & Drivetrain

Under the hood, the Toyota Rush is powered by a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE Dual VVT-i gasoline engine that can put up 102 hp and 134 Nm of torque. This is the same engine that the Toyota Avanza and Veloz use.

Toyota Rush Philippines on the road

Powering the Toyota Rush is a 1.5-liter 2NR-VE Dual VVT-I gasoline engine

For the base E variant, it pairs the engine with a 5-speed manual transmission. Meanwhile, the rest of the two variants of the model use a 4-speed automatic transmission. The power is sent to the rear wheels thanks to its rear-wheel-drive (RWD) drivetrain.

>>> Also check out:

Toyota Rush Q&A

1. Does Toyota Rush Philippines have cruise control?

No, it doesn't. No variants of the Rush come with cruise control.

2. How much will the Toyota Rush 2024?

The Toyota Rush 2024 is priced at P1,202,000.

3. What engine will the Toyota Rush 2024 use?

Toyota Rush 2024 is operated by a gasoline engine (1.5L) with a maximum output of 102 horsepower and 134 Nm.

4. What is the length of the Toyota Rush Philippines?

The length of the Toyota Rush is 4335mm, while the width is 1695mm.

5. Is the Toyota Rush a reliable car?

Yes, it absolutely is. The Toyota Rush is one of the best-selling SUVs in the Philippines market because it offers a perfect combination of performance, style, and comfort.

 

₱ 1,012,000 - ₱ 1,176,000

Explore
Cesar G.B. Miguel

Cesar G.B. Miguel

Author

Cesar Guiderone B. Miguel was born and raised in Iligan City, Lanao Del Norte. He graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in English degree from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology. He previously worked as a freelance writer for various websites, as a member of the Iligan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management's training staff, and as a medical sales representative.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goridus.goridus

View more